To Bolt from Temptation

Reading:   Genesis 38-39

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE !!

When confronted with temptation it is not always easy to escape unscathed.  Too often we allow ourselves time to debate the pros and cons; we get caught up in the trap of weighing the consequence against our desire and eventually justify making a bad choices with convoluted reasoning.  It is unfortunate but, more often then not, we tarry a bit when temptation beckons instead of abruptly, unceremoniously, and with great conviction, turning ourselves around and bolting in the opposite direction.

The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife illustrates the significance of bolting from temptation.  Joseph, after accepting responsibility for all of Potiphar's household, is tempted by Potiphar's wife.  She asks Joseph several times to lie with her and he eludes her with the explanation that Potiphar has given him free reign of all but his wife.  To no avail though because she still desires him...

GENESIS 39:12

12    And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. 

Potiphar's wife was most likely attractive and quite a temptation for Joseph; there is no way she was a frightening woman, a little controlling maybe but quite enticing. Each time she beckoned, Joseph's defenses faltered a bit more.  Joseph was concerned.  He was well aware that if he tarried long in her midst that his resolve would waver and he would not be able to resist her - he bolted!  There was no discussion, no process of thought, Joseph ran; he knew his conviction would not hold fast and, I'm sure, he conditioned himself to be ready for her next proposal with swift feet and an eye single to the prospect of escape...to tarry would be to sin against his master, his God, and himself.

It's the conditioning part that is so important.  There has to be prior design in your mental switchboard.  Understanding, or being aware of the little triggers that lead us down the path of arousal is the key; and by arousal I mean a peaking of interest in something that begins to overshadow rational thought (desire for alcohol, pornography, tobacco, etc.).  If a smell triggers a yearning for cigarettes that is the exact instance when the bolting action has to occur - turn yourself around and move in the opposite direction!

When you bolt you may leave friends wondering why you have gone.  They may see the situation as harmless because their triggers are different.  There is no reason for explanation, by staying and attempting to explain you are caught in the trap of reasoning.  If they are true friends they will understand; otherwise they may be wolves in sheeps clothing leading you ever to your triggers and eventual demise - get new friends!

Just bolt!!

~Kipling

Next:  I'm ending the pressure of trying to foresee what I will be able to read - my days are shrinking...this portion of the blog is hereby ordered defunct!